8 • Finance, Legal & Accounting


New Year Business Guide - brought to you by APL Media • Wednesday 14 January 2026 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE


JONATHON AND JAMES ASHTON Unlocking new revenue for pubs & bars


As a supplier of entertainment solutions and photo booths to hospitality businesses, VendNation specialises in helping a range of venues broaden their offering to provide more than food and drink


According to data gathered by CGA, 32% of operators added some form of entertainment to their offering in 2025, more than double the figure reported in 2024. “We speak to a lot of venue


owners, and many of them are in agreement: customers are looking for more than just a place to drink” explains James Ashton, director at VendNation. “When people go out, they want the full package. That of course means great drinks, but it also means the right environment; exciting entertainment and engaging activities.” Started in 2019 by brothers James


and Jonathon, VendNation has grown to become one of the UK’s leading suppliers of photo booths and entertainment solutions for the hospitality and leisure sectors, from bars and nightclubs to trampoline parks and glamping sites. Having seen the struggles facing the sector first-hand, the brothers have been committed to offering a service that understands and meets the needs of venue operators big and small. “Going out in 2026 means


going out for an experience that you’re going to talk about for days afterwards” says Jonathon. “Providing that experience is the challenge being set to venues up and down the country. And that’s a difficult challenge to meet,


especially for operators feeling the financial pressures that don’t have the means to invest in new additions to their space.” James and Jonathon decided that


the best way they could support venues was to remove the barrier of upfront investment. With a team of experienced joiners and technicians, VendNation builds and installs bespoke photo booths at absolutely zero cost to the venue. “We believe


Today, over 400 venues across the Interested in learning more about zero-cost photo


booths, arcade machines and interactive darts for


your venue? Scan the code to book a no-obligation consultation with VendNation


success comes from partnership,” continues Jonathon. “Which is why we operate a revenue share with the venues we work with. We’re just as committed to making the machine a success as the venue is, which is why we look after all the maintenance and provide a full customisation service for both the booth and the photo prints, all without charging the operator a penny.”


Started in 2019, VendNation has grown to become one of the UK’s leading suppliers of photo booths and entertainment solutions for the hospitality and leisure sectors


UK and Europe have a VendNation photo booth in place, offering consumers an opportunity capture and own a tangible memory of an exciting night out. “We’re absolutely thrilled with our new custom-branded photo booth,” says Peter Dunbar, managing director of The Phoenix Arts Club in Soho. “Not only does it look stunning, completely aligned with our aesthetic, but it’s transformed a previously unused corner into a real focal point. The space now feels


purposeful, stylish and genuinely luxurious. It’s become an instant hit with guests and a brilliant addition to the club atmosphere, as well as opening up a new stream of revenue for us.” VendNation also supplies a


variety of arcade machines, and has recently introduced an interactive darts station with five-point camera tracking system and a wide selection of exciting and accessible games. Just like its photo booths, these are all offered to venues fully serviced on a revenue share basis, with no installation costs. “Sure, our photo booths and


arcade machines can generate revenue for venues, but it’s about more than that” says James. “Their very presence can create social magnets within a space, drawing people in and encouraging them to


stay for longer. This increased dwell time may lead to more drink orders, perhaps even a bit of food. Most importantly, however, it can create a stronger bond between customer and venue, which could ultimately lead to increased brand loyalty and more return visits.” With Gen Z consumers spending


on average £25 a month less in hospitality venues compared to millennials, now’s the time for venue operators to consider what they can introduce to elevate their space ahead of what promises to be a challenging yet exciting year for the industry.


THE PHOENIX ARTS CLUB LONDON PHOTOBOOTH


For further information


T: 0333 577 2292 E: support@vendnation.co.uk Visit: vendnation.co.uk


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